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5 players FC Barcelona should look to sign in January

By Atharva Gosavi

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 20: (L-R) Philippe Coutinho of FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla at the Camp Nou on October 20, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 20: (L-R) Philippe Coutinho of FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla at the Camp Nou on October 20, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona have been linked with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo Naples Italy on 3 October 2018. (Photo Franco Romano /

#3 Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

That Luis Suarez is one of the best no.9s in the world is out of the question. However, the Uruguayan’s performances in front of goal have dropped considerably in the past two seasons.

Suarez notched 25 league goals in season 2017/18 and 29 in the season before, failing to match his impressive 40-goal haul in season 2015/16. In such cases, it is but natural to see the officials at Barcelona looking for replacements. As a matter of fact, they are rumoured to be interested in a move for Roberto Firmino of Liverpool.

The 27-year-old is hailed by many as Liverpool’s Raumdeuter due to his playing style that is similar to Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller. He has scored just thrice in 12 games this season. A tally that is set to improve as the season progresses, it is his defensive attributes that make him a unique striker and one to have in any top team.

Firmino impressively averages 1.6 tackles per game despite being deployed as a striker. His ability to make tackles and win possession helps Liverpool in orchestrating quick counter-attacks in the opposition half itself.

The Brazilian is well-adept at holding on to the ball and bringing others into play. He also takes 1.5 shots per game.

Liverpool tied down Roberto Firmino to a new five-year contract in April this year. However, should the Blaugrana approach with a formal bid, no doubt the Brazilian will find hard to turn them down.

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